CSC Dog Handler
Project scope
Detection of illicit drugs and other contraband has always been one of the main concerns of prison operators. Passive Alert Detection Dogs (PADD) are often used along with human handlers to detect contraband, whereas general purpose dogs assist in controlling undesirable behaviour within the prison system. Specially trained dogs are used for either targeted searches of prison cells, or high-security prisoner escorts, and other security functions within the Security and Emergency Services Group.
The Corrections Industry Reference Committee (IRC) proposed this project to review seven Units of Competency and develop two new Skill Sets and one new Unit of Competency for the Certificate IV in Correctional Practice. The project seeks to ensure that Corrections Officers are capable of effectively handling dogs within state and territory corrections jurisdictions, using skills that are contemporary with best dog handling practice and improving the safety and security of prisons where dogs are employed.
Project outcomes will ensure that a formal vocational pathway is available to correctional staff undertaking Dog Handling roles within correctional services settings, and provide skills transferability between correctional services jurisdictions, whilst increasing the overall Australian workforce capabilities through nationally accredited skilling outcomes.
The Corrections IRC will have oversight of this project, which will be facilitated by Australian Industry Standards (AIS) in consultation with industry stakeholders. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed for this project.
Deliverables
This project will review seven existing Units of Competency:
- CSCDOG001 Manage dogs for security purposes
- CSCDOG002 Maintain the health and welfare of dogs
- CSCDOG005 Train detector dogs
- CSCDOG006 Train dogs for response and control
- CSCDOG007 Train dogs in agility work
- CSCDOG003 Prepare stimulus aids for use with dogs
- CSCDOG004 Select dogs
One new Unit of Competency will be developed:
- CSCDOG999X Assessing dog behaviour
Two new Skill Sets will be developed comprising existing units and one proposed new Unit of Competency:
- CSCSS9997X Passive Alert Detector Dog Handler Skill Set
- CSCSS9996X General purpose Dog Handler Skill Set
The Dog Handling specialisation group within the CSC40115 (CSC40119 after AISC endorsement)- Certificate IV in Correctional Practice will also be reviewed. Skill Sets will be incorporated within the specialisation electives for skill transferability purposes.
Timeline
The Case for Endorsement is expected to be submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee by 31 August 2020
How to get involved
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed to provide expertise for this work. If you are a subject matter and would like to be considered for the TAC please contact the industry manager.
Stakeholder feedback on draft training materials will be sought as part of the development phase of work.
Technical advisory committee
Work on this project has commenced and the Corrections Industry Reference Committee (IRC) is forming a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
Your industry expertise and insight is welcome to help review and develop Training Package material to review seven Units of Competency and develop two new Skill Sets and one new Unit of Competency for the Certificate IV in Correctional Practice. The project seeks to ensure that Corrections Officers are capable of effectively handling dogs within state and territory corrections jurisdictions, using skills that are contemporary with best dog handling practice and improving the safety and security of prisons where dogs are employed.
TAC nominations closed on Tuesday, 10 September 2019.
Consultation
23 MARCH 2020
DRAFT MATERIAL
The Corrections Technical Advisory Committee have finalised draft materials for this project and would like your feedback.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Wednesday, 22 April 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
31 JANUARY 2020
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for this project is continuing review and development work.
Draft material is expected to be available in March/April 2020 for public consultation and feedback.
Summary of development
Draft units, skill sets and/or qualifications are developed in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and industry stakeholders.
Initial drafting of Training Package material (Units of Competency, Skill Sets and/or qualifications) is being undertaken by a Technical Advisory Committee established by the IRC. Comprising people with diverse expertise and experience in Corrections and Dog Handling, it has ensured that the draft Units are informed by the needs of industry.
Quality Assurance
22 SEPTEMBER 2020
FINAL DRAFT CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT
The draft Training Package materials have undergone independent edit and quality assurance.
The Case for Endorsement is scheduled to be submitted to the AISC in November 2020.
Consultation
12 AUGUST 2020
Draft material relating to this project is currently subject to extensive consultation and submission of the Case for Endorsement has been delayed. It is anticipated that this project will be part of a single Training Package release including Offender Engagement and Correctional Management to be submitted to AISC before December.
23 APRIL 2020
FINAL DRAFT MATERIAL
The Corrections Dog Handler TAC has finalised draft materials for this project.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Friday, 8 May 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
Summary of Feedback
Endorsement
28 JANUARY 2021
The Correctional Services Training Package (Release 3.0) has been endorsed by Skills Ministers for implementation.
The Corrections Industry Reference Committee, with the support of Technical Advisory Committees, has developed new Skill Sets and Units of Competency and revised existing qualifications and units to address priority skills needs relating to dog handling, offender engagement and correctional management.
The Dog Handler project has resulted in the development of three new Skill Sets and the revision of seven Units of Competency for the Certificate IV in Correctional Practice, creating a formal vocational pathway for correctional staff undertaking Dog Handling roles within correctional services settings.
To read more about the drivers for this project, please click on the Project overview tab.
To support the delivery of the Training Package, a Companion Volume Implementation Guide (CVIG) has been developed to assist assessors, trainers, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and enterprises. The CVIG contains a comprehensive list of all products in the Training Package; mapping information which details the changes that have been made to the materials; regulation and licensing implications; and useful links to other information.
The approved Correctional Services Training Package (Release 3.0) is now available on training.gov.au and incorporates the following projects.
The following materials were approved as part of CSC Correctional Services Training Package (Release 3.0):
Qualifications
CSC60120 Advanced Diploma of Correctional Management
CSC40120 Certificate IV in Correctional Practice
CSC30120 Certificate III in Correctional Practice
New Units
CSCOFM031 Establish partnership arrangements with service providers
CSCORG030 Manage gender diversity and identity needs in a correctional facility
Existing Units
CSCDOG008 Assess dogs for custodial purposes
CSCDOG009 Maintain the health and welfare of dogs
CSCDOG010 Manage detector dogs
CSCDOG011 Manage dogs for security purposes
CSCDOG012 Prepare stimulus aids for use with dogs
CSCDOG013 Train dog handler teams
CSCINT009 Manage intervention strategies for offenders
CSCORG029 Conduct interviews
CSCORG031 Plan and implement changes in justice services
CSCORG032 Undertake research and report findings within the correctional services environment
Approval
16 DECEMBER 2020
At its meeting on 2 December 2020 the AISC approved the Correctional Services Training Package (Release 3.0) for referral to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.
For more information on this project, please contact the Industry Skills Specialist.
Submission
29 OCTOBER 2020
CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT SUBMITTED TO AISC
The draft Training Package materials have been submitted to the AISC.
Thank you to all stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and contributed to this project.
Karen Thomson
Industry Skills Specialist - Corrections and Police